Four-Legged Super Heroes Take to the Boardwalk

Sarah Klink and Mike Yearick work to untangle the Mexican Warhol sharks, Weener, Charlie and Penny. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Sarah Klink and Mike Yearick work to untangle the Mexican Warhol sharks, Weener, Charlie and Penny. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)

The annual Krewe de Barkus parade Saturday featured 44 canine super heroes and their owners along with dogs from the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center competing for a trophy but more than that catching up with other dog lovers and letting the puppies frolic.

The parade, which began in 2004 or 2005, was led this year by John McCoy, Krewe captain, dressed in an orange dog suit, and longtime Krewe member, Val Stiles.

The dogs and people, most following the super hero theme, formed a loose line behind with frequent gaps while dogs and people greeted each other.

“The purpose is to showcase shelter puppies, and we actually got an adoption this year,” Dee Ulrich, spokesperson for Krewe, told the Source.

Krewe de Croix members John McCoy, dressed in a bright orange dog costume, and Val Stiles lead Krewe de Barkus participants on the boardwalk. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Krewe de Croix members John McCoy, dressed in a bright orange dog costume, and Val Stiles lead Krewe de Barkus participants on the boardwalk. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)

The funds that are raised help pay for advertising and posters. This year Real Cruzan Cats also was awarded some cash, Ulrich said.

Glassmaker Jan Mitchell donates the trophies every year, she added.

The 2020 winners were:
Best Overall: Chris & Renee Sublett

Children’s category:
1st place: Alice Kuo
2nd Place: Scott Roth
3rd Place: David Hardetz

Adult Category:
1st Place: Irene Homa
2nd Place: Steffan Larsen
3rd Place: Frank Weatherwax